Luke 12:15 (Rich for God)

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB).Guest Authors schedule. LIFE Minute radio.

"Then he said to the crowd, 'Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one's life does not consist of possessions.'" ~ Luke 12:15 (full readings)

Rich's Comments: In today's Gospel, we are warned about the pitfalls of greed; however, we are not told to avoid being rich. It is alright to be rich as long as we are rich in what matters to God. Materialism on the other hand, is a form of self-induced slavery, in which we have an uncontrollable attachment to material possessions. If you don't believe me, try removing the material clutter from your house and donating it to charity. The feeling you have afterwards is liberating. I find that material things just add to the complexity of my life and contribute unnecessary anxiety (e.g., things being broken, not working, lost, stolen, or turning obsolete by a newly released gadget on the market). Like Mother Theresa said, we need to simplify our lives ("Live simply so that others may simply live"). By removing materials from our life, we can focus more on what really matters, being rich for God. Only God can fill the God-size hole in our heart. Lord, may I always be eager for Your presence for only You can fulfill me. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Avoid the slavery of materialism by satisfying your desires with God.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, LifeNews, Priests for Life,Vatican, Project Rachel

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Spiritual Adoption, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). Add Prayers on our website. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, LIFE Runners, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: While being martyred by being fed to lions, St. Ignatius of Antioch prayed that he would become the immaculate bread of Christ.

Faith Quote: "I am the wheat of God. Let me be ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found the pure bread of Christ." ~ St. Ignatius of Antioch

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and close to God!
* Save Unborn (& family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (22% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 & Jer 1:5. “A great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish.” Mother Teresa.

* Evangelize: Make room for unbelievers & re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Matt 28:19.

John 6:27 (non-perishable Bread of Life)

Welcome God today with this LIFE Group Devotion (website, Facebook).

"Do not work for food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you." John 6:27

Rich's Reflections: In the Gospel today, Jesus addresses the crowd who seeks for Him in Capernaum following the miracle in which He fed 5,000. Jesus says, "Do not work for food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life which the Son of Man will give you." Jesus knows the main motive of the people, which was to get free food. There is nothing wrong with seeking food. All living things including humans need food for survival. However, humanity has a higher purpose of living than survival. All food will spoil; and all men that eat the food will only survive until the time they die. Why foolishly put all our time in working for the things temporal without spending time thinking about the things eternal? True non-perishable things in life come from God's love working in us and not through human effort alone. Being a loving spouse, a caring parent, a devoted friend, a helping hand for someone in need. These signs of love last, because they are nourished by the food that gives us life...Christ Himself. Lord, may I realize that only You can satisfy my hunger. May Your love work through me to provide nourishing food for others. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Simplify your life and focus on the things that are non-perishable.

Counter-Culture News: LifeNews, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Spiritual Adoption, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). Add Prayers on our website. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, LIFE Runners, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: St. Pachomius

Faith Quote: "Live simply so that others may simply live." ~ Mother Teresa

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and close to God!
* Save Unborn (& family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (23% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 & Jer 1:5. “A great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish.” Mother Teresa.
* Evangelize: Make room for unbelievers & re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Matt 28:19.

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Isaiah 49:4 (live simply)

Welcome God today with this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (archive, Facebook). Prove yourselves doers of the Word, and not merely hearers. James 1:22

Though I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength, Yet my reward is with the Lord, my recompense is with my God. Isaiah 49:4 (full readings)

Rich's thoughts: Today's highlighted passage made me think how I am often spinning my wheels in every direction with no real focus of what is really important. I am too busy for prayer, too busy to read the Bible, too busy to just stop and enjoy the presence of God. Unless you simplify your life, life might just pass you by. Lord, may I recognize that You are all that I need; You are my everything. Amen.

Sr. Francelle's devotion: Judge Not.

Faith Challenge: Generously encourage others by sharing devotions.
* NEW: Are you missing your reward? How can you simplify your life so that you are more aware of the presence of God?

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life. Reality of abortion (images), #1 cause of death (23% of pregnancies)...expose this unjust peace, setting Unborn/parents free.
* NEW: Study: Abortion More Than Tripled Breast Cancer Risk for Sri Lankan Women

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together, and close to God (footnotes). Prayer to end abortion, Peters family (JP).
* NEW: Joe Hourigan (for his sister Kate), Carol Nesbitt (father in law passed away).

Feast Day: The Nativity of John the Baptist

Faith Quotes: "Live simply, so that other may simply live." - Mother Teresa

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22